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Trails Steering Group – Workshop 4 Next Steps for the Trails

Workshop Report

Wednesday 11th

July 2012 Biggin Village Hall, Biggin-by-Hartington

Facilitated by Mandy Sims & Pete Spriggs Mandy Sims Coaching, Training & Facilitation M: 07979 454 428 E: mandy@mandysims.com www.mandysims.com

Pete Spriggs Clearer Thinking M: 07749 821 438 E: pete.spriggs@clearerthinking.co.uk www.clearerthinking.co.uk

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Objectives By the end of the workshop we will have:

Increased our understanding about the Trails;

Discussed any identified issues arising from the draft Trails Management Plan;

Determined the next steps for the Trails Steering Group.

Agenda

Time Session

17:00 Arrival at Biggin Village Hall – Light buffet provided

17:30 Welcome and introductions

The Trails – an update from Abi

Turning the draft into the actual Management Plan

The future of the Steering Group?

What next?

19:30 Short walk along the Tissington Trail

20:30 Depart

Attendees The workshop was attended by:

Name Organisation Group David Ashton Bamford with Thornhill Parish Council C Abi Ball PDNPA D Matt Easter Sustrans D Andy Farmer PDNPA B Steve Farren PDNPA D Charlotte Gilbert Local Access Forum & Peak Horse Power B Judy Gould PDNPA C Elaine Hill High Peak Access Group B Alan Jackson High Peak Access Group A Rick Jillings Derbyshire County Council B Graham Jones Institute of Outdoor Learning C Chris Manby PDNPA A Cllr Guy Martin Peak Parishes Forum A Gill Millward Derbyshire County Council C Nick Stephens Ramblers Association D Duncan Stokes Hassop Station D Yvonne Witter Mosaic Project A

Apologies were received from:

Name Organisation Chris Coombs Derbyshire County Council Rhonda Pursglove PDNPA Jane Proctor Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Patrick Strange Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust

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Welcome and introductions After a light buffet and drinks, Pete Spriggs welcomed all to the workshop. He began by clarifying the objectives and agenda of the workshop, then reiterating the Group’s usual ground rules. As a number of PDNPA staff had been invited to this workshop, Pete asked everyone present to introduce themselves and invited them to say one word to describe the Trails.

The Trails – an update from Abi Abi Ball began her update (see slides below) with sincere thanks to the Steering Group for their help and support in getting the Trails Management Plan to this stage. She then outlined the final stages in the process for getting the Management Plan finalised and in the public domain. Abi updated the Group on a few items nearing completion or completed that would be added to the draft Management Plan, including the Visitor Profile section and the Resources Section, as well as explaining the work that’s ongoing to prepare a Green Travel Plan for the Trails. Following this, Abi gave a fuller explanation regarding the Resources Section, elucidating the budget and the places where there is a shortfall of resources. At this point, Pete asked if there were any questions from the Group, and a few points were clarified. Finally, Abi updated the Group about some of the practical, positive things happening on the Trails at this time of the year.

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Turning the draft into the actual Management Plan Mandy Sims introduced this as the main task of the workshop: to work through issues relating to the draft Management Plan that Steering Group members had raised via email prior to the workshop. She described how most of the comments received were straightforward suggestions that could be acted on without further discussion, and gave some examples of these (see right). She then outlined the issues raised by the Steering Group that required further discussion, grouping them under 4 main topics: Car Parking

Already covered in the draft Plan, but perhaps needing further work

A Green Travel Plan for the Trails is being developed – discussions at the workshop may feed into that plan

A Park-wide issue but with relevance to certain locations on the Trails

Technical questions may need passing on to Transport Planners Spreading Visitors across the Trails

Anecdotal evidence that increased use of Monsal Trail since the opening of the tunnels has meant decreased use of other Trails – now supported by cycle hire statistics

Not good for business and a potential nuisance to residents around Monsal Trail Visitor Behaviour

Issues of user conflicts, more litter, excessive noise, dog fouling etc.

The Code of Conduct was recently developed in response to issues on Monsal Trail. How can this be promoted more widely?

Are there other ways of encouraging responsible visitor behaviour? Generating Income

Abi has done a detailed analysis of the costs and income streams associated with the Trails. The budget is enough to meet the day-to-day maintenance of the Trails, but not enough to meet larger items of expenditure.

Some income streams have been identified – any comments on these, or other possible sources of income?

Any other comments or suggestions?

For any comments that Steering Group members have not yet been able to express

The topics were outlined on flipcharts on different tables. The Steering Group was split into 4 small groups, and each group began a discussion at different tables, writing their comments onto the flipchart. (The groups indicated where any comments related to a particular Trail/s only.) After 10 minutes, each group moved to a new topic table and read the comments of the

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previous group. They showed their agreement, disagreement or lack of comprehension with a tick, cross or question mark respectively, then added any new comments underneath. After further time, the groups moved around the room until they had discussed and commented on all topics. Finally, they returned to their original topic, read all previous remarks and chose 2 significant ones to feed back to the whole group. This session was closed with an explanation of what would happen with their comments – ranging from easy incorporation into the Management Plan, through to passing to colleagues more appropriate to take them forward. The outputs from this session are shown at the end of this report. The future of the Steering Group? Pete confirmed that the work and timescales set out for the Steering Group when it was set up had come to its end. However, the PDNPA has found the Group so useful that it would like it to continue in a different format, and Pete outlined the PDNPA’s position and preference – that is, a group meeting once a year to help monitor progress and to provide updates etc. It could also be called as required if issues arise that warrant discussion / input from a Steering Group e.g. to discuss particular projects that are to be taken forward. Pete asked all present to indicate on a sign up sheet whether a) they would like to be part of such a group, or b) whether they would like to cease involvement. He also asked them to indicate any other organisations or groups that could be asked to be involved.

ORGANISATION REPRESENTATIVE(S) I’M STILL HAPPY TO BE PART OF THE SG

NO THANKS, PLEASE REMOVE US FROM THE SG

Peak Horse Power Charlotte Gilbert Yes Local Access Forum Charlotte Gilbert Yes Cycle Touring Club Sustrans Matt Easter (and interested

in development of Green Travel Plan)

Yes

Mosaic Project Yes Peak Park Parishes Forum Guy Martin Yes Derbyshire County Council Gill Millward Yes Ramblers Association Nick Stephens Yes Derbyshire Wildlife Trust High Peak Access Group Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust

Bamford with Thornhill PC Yes Local businesses Duncan Stokes -Hassop Stn Yes Institute of Outdoor Learning / Bridge 75 Liaison Officer

Graham Jones Yes

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What next?

Mandy reminded the Steering Group of the final stages of the process of the Trails Management Plan; invited them to attend a walk after the workshop; and asked them for a final review of the experience of being involved in the Steering Group Workshops. She asked them to consider:

• something I’ve learned • something I’ve enjoyed • something that’s surprised me

and to briefly share one or more of these thoughts in a final round. Chris Manby concluded the workshop expressing his thanks to the Steering Group for their time and commitment and for making working together so enjoyable. He thanked the facilitators, the Trails Rangers, and Abi Ball. The formal workshop ended at 19.40, with many taking the opportunity to take a short walk along the Tissington Trail for a celebratory drink. The Outputs

Below are the typed up comments of the Steering Group in response to discussion of the issues raised by them concerning the draft Management Plan – from the session Turning the draft into the actual Management Plan. Where a comment refers to a particular Trail or Trails, it is indicated in red, thus: Monsal Trail – M Tissington Trail – Tis Thornhill Trail – Th High Peak Trail – HP The right hand column indicates the action to be taken / taken already with regard to that comment.

Car Parking

PROBLEMS POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS ACTIONS Too many cars on street – hazard for local residents - M

Introduce double yellow lines

Lining has been extended on the Monsal Head to Little Longstone road to allow sufficient passing places for vehicles. We are currently monitoring roadside parking at Millers Dale and will work with DCC re possible roadside solutions.

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PROBLEMS POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS ACTIONS Linking where the bus stops to the start of the Trail - M

Signage from bus stop (218) to MD – Tis?, M

A series of 5 Peak Connections leaflets have been produced to raise awareness of how to access the MT by bus / train from the surrounding towns / cities. The MT is accessible from 3 main bus stops at Wyedale, Millers Dale and Bakewell (with the trail being a short walk from the stop). There is also a more limited service to Hassop Stn. We recognise that similar information needs to be provided for Tissington, High Peak and Thornhill Trails and the intention is to provide this info on the Trails page of the PDNPA website.

Increased traffic Car share e.g. target rambling groups

Trails minibus (use 442 bus service) – Tis?

This will be considered further in the Trails Green Travel Plan (GTP). A mini bus service with a trailer for bikes was trialled several years ago, from Stoke to the Manifold Trail and the Tissington Trail, however it proved unsuccessful (I will try to find out more details about this scheme including user figures / how long it operated for and include further details within the GTP.

Proposed car park in Tissington Village (good or bad?)

Additional parking at Hassop Station – M

Improved signage from Ashbourne to TT

Hassop Stn Car Park was lined in 2011 in order to increase its capacity. It is not considered feasible to allow parking on the surfaced area adj to the trail / picnic site (could undermine attempts to prevent vehicular access along trail / safety concerns) Agree that this is required and currently working with DCC to improve this

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PROBLEMS POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS ACTIONS Lack of space Use of private land

informal basis (28 days)

Surface and white line markings

This could be an option but would need to be carefully considered in order to ensure that it was appropriate to the needs of the trail, highways and landscape. It should only be considered as a last resort.. There is potential to surface more trails’ car parks in tarmac and thus enable them to be lined in order to increase their capacity. This would only apply to the car parks on the Tiss and HP Trails. It would be useful at Tissington Car Park however it is very costly to do.

Too many people visit by car Better facilities to take bikes on buses and trains

One way cycle hire

This is included within the PDNPA Sustainable Transport Action Plan, to work with bus operators so that they can carry bikes on buses, and to influence the next rail stock (identified as medium to long term actions). This will be considered in the Trails GTP. Not feasible on MT due to private cycle hire businesses. Also PDNPA and DCC hired bikes on HPT. Will forward this to Cycle Hire Manager for consideration and fuller response.

Bakewell Station underused (later comment - because people can park for free on road)

Increase capacity / promote more

Bakewell Stn is very often under-used even at weekends as people choose to park on the road in order to avoid paying. The PDNPA promote parking at the ABC Centre in Bakewell rather than Bakewell Stn due to its restricted size and the potential for local congestion. This policy will continue and we will work with DCC to investigate the potential for a TRO adjacent to the Station in order to ensure road safety.

Two significant points fed back to whole group:

Car parking restrictions on roads

Use of private land during busy times

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Spreading Visitors across the Trails

IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS ACTIONS Market as a family of Trails – including associated village / other attractions

Good suggestion. Could be promoted as such on Trails page of website - will discuss with colleagues.

Increase circular routes Partners are continuing to work towards ultimate goal of creating White Peak Loop. Work with DCC in this regard.

Consider cycle hire pricing – seasonal; days; family etc Discuss potential with Cycle Hire Manager

Promote PDNPA specialised cycles – possible partnership with private hirers – cycle to work scheme?

As above

Spread by improved Trail linkage e.g. push for the development of the Monsal – HP – Tiss links

Agree that this would have a tremendous positive effect

Accessibility – seating increase on parts of the Trails Agree – we will audit current provision and at the least, provide and promote ‘accessible’ sections where regular seating is provided.

Accessibility audit, improvement and joint funding bid Scheduled action in Yr 2 of TMP. Implementation will require funding bid – work with LAF / DCC

Circular minibus Not considered feasible at this stage.

Signage out of Ashbourne As noted above, PDNPA to work with DCC to provide.

Improve Trails promotion on PDNPA website TMP Yr 2 action Promote 442 bus (need racks on) Commitment to provide public

transport information on Trails page of website

Make connections with the rest of the Public Rights of Way / Access network

Commitment to work with DCC in this regard, throughout Plan period

One-way cycle hire (e.g. PH to Ashbourne) Will discuss feasibility with Cycle Hire Manager

Promote unique characteristics of the different Trails – each offers a different experience

Great idea. Will ensure that this is achieved on Trails webpage.

Encourage people off and back on to the Trails to visit local attractions and circular walk or ride etc – ‘packaged’

Will discuss further with colleagues

Two significant points fed back to whole group:

Publicise the family of Trails – each with its unique characteristics

Improve the links between the Trails and include circular walk

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Visitor Behaviour

IDEAS FOR PROMOTING THE CODE OF CONDUCT ACTIONS Place in more prominent position – car parks ok, but also put in places where people stop once they are on the Trail e.g. Lime Kilns, abseiling bridge

Good idea – many people don’t read the code in the car parks. Will investigate alternatives (adjacent to listening posts / interpretation panels etc). Code will also be displayed on Tiss, High Peak and Thornhill Trails.

Back of car park tickets (later comment – but costly) Potentially good idea but limited space (questions over readability) – will need to investigate feasibility / costs etc.

In cycle hire leaflets Will be displayed in cycle hire centres. Included within Peak Connections MT leaflets and to be included within next print run of MT visitor leaflet and White Peak Routes leaflet (Tiss & High Peak Trails).

Consistent between all the Trails – same messages Agree that this is very important. Prominent display needed on Trails web page

Give a copy to people when they hire a bike Excessive printing and potential for litter. Potential to have large scale laminated copy on counter and to draw people’s attention to it when bikes are hired – will discuss with Cycle Hire Manager.

OTHER IDEAS FOR ENCOURAGING RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOUR ACTIONS Publish code of practice for taking groups along the Trails – with tips for others to use – Institute of Outdoor Learning

Will discuss further with IOL rep

Small discreet signs with repeater messages (but not the full code) appropriate to a particular stretch e.g. bottlenecks, problem sections

Will investigate this further and identify potential locations / discreet design etc.

Wide trail surface Recognise the importance of this and re-surfacing programme included within Action Plan

Promoting quiet time use of the Trail Good idea – potential to do this via Pedal Peak District Twitter

Target code of conduct to user groups Code equally valid to all user groups. Need to make sure that it is more visible for all trail users.

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OTHER IDEAS FOR ENCOURAGING RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOUR ACTIONS All users keep to the left Included within code. Of

fundamental importance and so potential to extract this key message and increase prominence at locations along trails. Will investigate with colleagues.

More ‘keep to the left’ signs As above. Contact Sustrans / CTC etc. to promote better behaviour by cyclists and walkers

Will investigate further.

Two significant points fed back to whole group:

Use of repeater signs – simple messages that people can read as they walk / cycle past to reinforce aspects of Code of Conduct (too much to take in at once)

Promote Codes on the Trails themselves – in car parks, people more interested in setting off / getting organised – consider putting them at places along the Trails where people stop to look at the view, picnic etc. – time to read it.

Generating Income

For this topic, the groups were asked to comment on the possible income streams already identified, as well as potentially suggesting other sources of income. The income streams already identified were as follows:

Higher Level Stewardship (Natural England) – if successful with this application, will mean conservation vegetation management costs will remain cost neutral

Review Bridge 75 abseiling fee for commercial users

Review car parking charges

More refreshment concessions?

Different types of concession?

Sponsorship?

IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS ACTIONS Agree to Review Bridge 75 abseiling fee for commercial users

TMP Yr 1 action

Adopt a mile? Adopt a tunnel? Will feed this through for further investigation as part of Trails Business Plan

Membership ‘Friends of’ Groups – fees; voluntary labour To investigate further with PDNPA colleague

Levy on cycle hire (PDNPA), and others (later comment - including private businesses – NB: possible conflict with Cycle Hire Business Plan)

Will feed this through for further investigation as part of Trails Business Plan

Further grants e.g. Sustrans To maintain ongoing contact with Sustrans

Become charitable trust to get funding See ‘Friends of’ suggestion More corporate sponsorship (e.g. STW, Lafarge, Tarmac) (later comment – Possible one-off capital schemes)

Investigate as part of Trails Business Plan

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IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS ACTIONS Sponsor a gate / seat / signpost (bequests) (later comment – conflicts with Memorials Policy)

As above

Trialling different surfaces at company’s cost Will discuss feasibility with colleagues

Increase charging at Heatherdene (in line with Fairholmes) Not strictly linked to Trails Develop Miller’s Dale to include café, shop Project group currently

investigating future development of MD

Trail merchandise Investigate as part of Trails Business Plan

Business payback Investigate as part of Trails Business Plan

Increase abseiling charges sustainably Noted – charges to be reviewed in consultation with Br 75 Liaison Officer

Two significant points fed back to whole group:

Adopt a mile? A tunnel? A seat? A signpost?

Person to identify external funding sources

Any other comments or suggestions No responses on this flipchart